As we enter December and the advent period, we also enter a season of giving.
This year, my office will be getting into the spirit of giving in a slightly unusual way, by collecting stamps.
Before you think this is because we've all discovered a new hobby, I will explain why. This year, the UK Air Ambulance, a truly excellent charity, are raising funds to support their work by recycling stamps.
We are lucky enough to have a branch here in Essex, who provide a first class pre-ambulance service to people in the area.
In medical emergencies where timing is of the essence, the Air Ambulance can ensure that a patient receives care and is transported to a hospital as soon as possible. I have heard of many touching cases where Essex residents have been involved in serious accidents, such as car crashes, as the Air Ambulance has stepped in to save their lives.
I receive thousands of letters from constituents ever year, and with those letters come thousands of used stamps.
Recycling these stamps could make a real difference to the air ambulance. Therefore my office will be neatly cutting off each stamp and collecting them to be used to help this very worthwhile cause. I would encourage all my constituents to join with us in this effort, and collect used stamps from all your Christmas cards and other post, and send them to: Air Ambulance-Stamp Appeal, Kinnear Cottage, Rohais De Haut, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8YX.
Please also feel free to send them to my office if you'd like. My staff will send off all the stamps we have received in the new year and hopefully we can make a real difference, and give the Air Ambulance an excellent Christmas present!
As ever, if you wish to contact me regarding any issues that you feel I can assist with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01702 616135 or email me at [email protected]